How Much Does a Tailored Suit Cost?

Many men have never ventured out and invested a custom tailored suit. For that reason, they think that buying a standard suit off the rack will suffice. While you might end up with a suit that looks okay, maybe even “pretty good” if you have an excellent tailor, you’ll never come close to the exceptional look you’ll get with a custom suit.

A lot of guys have asked, “How much does a tailored suit cost?” and that’s certainly not an unreasonable question. We’ve broken down the costs of scoring a superb custom made suit relative to the process.

Measurements

When you choose to have a custom suit made for you, the first (and possibly the most important) step is to take your measurements. A proper fit is essential, so the measurements will be exacting and thorough. By knowing your unique measurements, it will serve as a baseline for the rest of the process.

Tailors don’t generally charge for these measurements if you’re ordering a custom suit. Of course, since the tailor is so precise and careful in order to give you the perfect custom suit, this generally means you’ll pay more in the long run. Knowing how much a tailored suit costs doesn’t depend entirely on measurements, though more material means a more expensive suit.

Suit Materials

An essential component in a tailored suit cost is the type of material chosen. Whether you’re looking for linen, tropical wool, wool blends or even cotton blends, this step in the process influences the quality you are looking for in the suit.

Your tailor will be able to guide you through the process of picking the right material for your wardrobe and your budget. Most tailors have options that will produce basic, durable suits and those that are well above the quality you could find in menswear or department stores.

Extras

Adding extras to a custom suit could be compared to adding features to your new car. A standard model is relatively affordable, but if you desire more ornate hardware and unique features, this will reflect on the price. This concept applies to a tailored suit cost.

When you’re having a custom suit made, you have the freedom to pick all of the details. Single-breasted suits generally cost less than double-breasted suits. Basic plastic buttons are going to cost less than enamel buttons, which are going to cost less than gold, silver or onyx buttons.

The lining that you choose for the inside of your jacket can also push the price higher. If you want fine silk, it’s going to cost more than the most basic lining types. Multiple, specially-sized interior pockets for your essentials are going to make the price climb higher, too.

Your tailor will work with you to craft a suit that meets your needs and your budget. There are generally reasonable compromises to be made if you have something specific in mind but don’t want to pay high prices.

Overall Cost

It’s challenging to specify an exact dollar amount when asking about a tailored suit cost. The answer is that a well-built, tailored suit can start at $1,500 or so and climb up to $6,500 plus.

Just as it is with fine car, you can get anything you desire out of a custom suit. If you have one made that’s relatively basic with durable, cost-effective materials and minimal extras, you won’t be looking in the higher price range. Men who choose high-quality tropical wool, fine silk lining, bone buttons and two or three extra interior pockets are going to pay more.

Does Quality Matter?

Men that want to know how much does a tailored suit cost are often thinking only of their short term expenses. While that’s obviously an important factor, you can’t really think about buying a custom suit in the same way you think about buying a pair of jeans.

When you buy a custom suit, you’re paying for more than just something to wear. You’re paying for superior craftsmanship and a fit that you just can’t get when you buy off the rack. Even made-to-measure suits can’t offer the same incredible fit that you’ll get when you purchase a suit made exclusively for you.

You’ll also be buying a suit that’s going to last you many years. Unlike a lot of the clothing you buy in the department store, a suit custom made by a skilled tailor won’t wear out in a handful of years.

Many men that buy custom suits end up wearing them for ten years or longer. There’s no reason you’ll have to toss a custom suit out, as long as you can still fit in it! If quality matters to you, the question of “How much does a tailored suit cost?” becomes even harder. After all, can you put an exact value on one of the world’s finest suits?

About Ralph Lauretta

Ralph is a co-owner of Sal Lauretta for Men. His areas of expertise include custom clothing as well as being the primary clothing buyer for the store. When not at work you can find him hanging out with his family, reorganizing his garage or watching a Denver Broncos game.